October 2011 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

fully funded PhD project focusing on marine mammal conservation and shifting baselines
by Kristin Kaschner 07 Oct '11

07 Oct '11

Hi there a project that I am involved in is looking for candidates interested in a fully-funded PhD project focusing on large scale marine mammal conservation issues and shifting baselines. For more information, see below. cheers Kristin *********************** Human impact on the global patterns of marine mammal distribution and abundance Overview: This 3-year, fully funded, PhD project, will quantify the impact of historical human activities on the global patterns of diversity and abundance of marine mammal species. It will be based at the Centre dEcologie Fonctionelle et Evolutive, Montpellier, France, supervised by Ana Rodrigues. Application deadline: 31 October. Key words: marine ecosystems, marine mammals, macroecology, species distribution models, sustainable management, shifting baselines Background We live in a human dominated planet, and the oceans are no exception. Through a combination of a growing population, mounting consumption and waste, and increasingly sophisticated technologies, human activities now impact all marine ecosystems, from the deep-sea to coral reefs, to remote islands, to the open ocean. Whereas these changes are accelerating, significant human impacts on marine systems started millennia ago. Yet because such changes took place gradually and with little recorded evidence, the full scale of the cumulative human impact on marine systems has only recently begun to be understood through anecdotal historical records showing evidence of past seas of spectacular abundance. This case of collective amnesia by the progressive adjustment to increasingly impoverished ecosystems has been termed the shifting baseline. It affects not only scientific and popular perception of what natural ecosystems look like in terms of species composition and abundance, but also narrows our perception of the options available for the future. This project will investigate the extent to which the introduction of an historical perspective affects perceptions of past human impact, projections of future change, the goals, targets and options considered, and ultimately the recommendations for conservation and management of marine natural resources. This will be done through the lens of marine mammals, a particularly interesting group given their strong and long relationship with humans, from millennia-old cave-art, to the near-obliteration of some species through commercial exploitation, to the emotional attachment felt even by many who have never been in direct contact with these species. Furthermore, some of these species have important roles in shaping ecosystems, and despite their charisma many remain very poorly known. Objectives and methods This project will quantify the impact of historical human activities on the patterns of diversity and abundance in marine mammal species, as a basis for conservation and management strategies at the global scale. Specifically, the project will: - Review and synthesise information on the historical and current distribution of all marine mammal species, both from existing datasets and by compiling scattered data from the ecological, archaeological, zooarchaeological, and historical literatures. - Participate in the development of statistical models for predicting the current and historical global distribution of marine mammal species. - Quantify and map the impact of historical global change on patterns of diversity of marine mammal species, using Geographic Information Systems. - Participate in the development of a multidisciplinary reflection of the goals, targets and options for the conservation and management of marine mammals within a human-dominated planet. - Contribute to the dissemination of the results of this project to a wide and diverse audience comprising scientists, stakeholders and the wide public. Candidate profile The successful candidate will possess: - A solid academic background in ecology. - A rigorous and detail-oriented approach to work with an aptitude for exploring and analysing historical datasets. - Strong analytical skills, including knowledge or capacity to learn GIS and programming skills (for example in R) for the manipulation and analyses of large spatial datasets. - Good interpersonal skills needed for working as part of a large team, and for coordinating multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional meetings involving scientists and stakeholders. - Good command of the English language. Institutional context This PhD is a part of the ANR-funded MORSE project: Management of Ocean Resources under Shifting Expectations - bringing the historical perspective into marine mammal conservation. The MORSE project is a partnership between the Centre dEcologie Fonctionelle et Evolutive (CEFE CNRS UMR5175; www.cefe.cnrs.fr) the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (David Kaplan, IRD UMR212, www.umr-eme.org/) and the laboratory Ecologie des systèmes marins côtiers (Fabien Leprieur, ECOSYM CNRS UMR5119, http://www.ecosym.univ-montp2.fr) with the collaboration of a network of international partners. The student will be supervised by Ana Rodrigues (http://www.cefe.cnrs.fr/dynamique-des-paysages-et-de-la-biodiversite/ana-ro…) based at the CEFE, and affiliated with the SIBAGHE Doctoral School, Université Montpellier 2 (http://www.sibaghe.univ-montp2.fr) Gross income is about 1700. The student will be hired under a doctoral contract that includes pension and health benefits. The PhD will start the 1st of December 2011 or as soon as possible afterwards. Application procedure Please send a detailed CV, course grades from most recent academic work, letter of motivation, and name and contacts (email and phone number) of two or more researchers capable of assessing your competence for this position via email to ana.rodrigues(a)cefe.cnrs.fr by the 31 October 2011. ************************************* Kristin Kaschner, Ph.D. Evolutionary Biology & Ecology Lab Institute of Biology I (Zoology) Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Germany ph: ++ 49 178 547 7760 email: Kristin.Kaschner(a)biologie.uni-freiburg.de http://www.biologie.uni-freiburg.de/data/bio1/kaschner/index.html

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Career opportunity, USFWS
by Suzann_Speckman＠fws.gov 06 Oct '11

06 Oct '11

All, Marine Mammals Management, US Fish and Wildlife Service, is searching for a new chief. Please distribute this announcement as appropritae. Thank you. Suzann Speckman Job Title: Fish and Wildlife Administrator Department: Department Of The Interior Agency: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Job Announcement Number: R7-11-540387-JG or R7-11-540547-JG (career conditional) |-------------------------+-----------------------------------------------------------> |Open Period: |Friday, September 23, 2011 to Monday, October 24, 2011 | |-------------------------+-----------------------------------------------------------> >------------------------------------------------------------------| | | >------------------------------------------------------------------| |-------------------------+-----------------------------------------------------------> |Series & Grade: |GS-0480-13/14 | |-------------------------+-----------------------------------------------------------> >------------------------------------------------------------------| | | >------------------------------------------------------------------| |-------------------------+-----------------------------------------------------------> |Position Information: |Full Time Career/Career Conditional | |-------------------------+-----------------------------------------------------------> >------------------------------------------------------------------| | | >------------------------------------------------------------------| |-------------------------+-----------------------------------------------------------> |Promotion Potential: |14 | |-------------------------+-----------------------------------------------------------> >------------------------------------------------------------------| | | >------------------------------------------------------------------| |-------------------------+-----------------------------------------------------------> |Duty Locations: |Anchorage, Alaska | |-------------------------+-----------------------------------------------------------> >------------------------------------------------------------------| | | >------------------------------------------------------------------| |-------------------------+-----------------------------------------------------------> |Who May Be Considered: |United States Citizens | |-------------------------+-----------------------------------------------------------> >------------------------------------------------------------------| | | >------------------------------------------------------------------| |-------------------------+-----------------------------------------------------------> |Brief Description: | | | | | |As a GS-0480-13/14 Fish | | |and Wildlife | | |Administrator, you will: | | | Serve as program | | |leader for the U.S. Fish | | |and Wildlife Service's | | |Alaska Region Marine | | |Mammals Management (MMM) | | |office, leading teams | | |responsible for marine | | |mammal management and | | |conservation in Alaska, | | |including co-management | | |with Alaska Natives. | | | Provide direction and | | |oversight to meet | | |international, national | | |and regional marine | | |mammal goals and | | |objectives, as well as | | |managing and monitoring | | |harvest of marine | | |mammals. | | | Serve as U.S. | | |representative on the | | |Steering Committee for | | |the US-Russia Agreement | | |and assess the unified | | |conservation and | | |management of programs | | |between the two | | |countries. | | | Implement regulations | | |and policies and assist | | |in the implementation of | | |associated specialized | | |scientific programs. | | | | | |-------------------------+-----------------------------------------------------------> >------------------------------------------------------------------| | | >------------------------------------------------------------------| For more information, go to http://www.usajobs.gov/.

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Ocean Sciences session on large marine vertebrates
by lhthorne＠notes.cc.sunysb.edu 06 Oct '11

06 Oct '11

All, Please see the information below on our upcoming session at the Ocean Sciences Meeting in Utah in February, 2012. The session focuses on the reproduction and early life history of top predators. Abstracts are due tomorrow by midnight central time (5 AM GMT Saturday). Best, Lesley (on behalf of Joel, Barb and Kate) http://www.sgmeet.com/osm2012/default.asp 124: NEW INSIGHTS INTO THE EARLY LIFE STAGES AND REPRODUCTIVE DYNAMICS OF LARGE MARINE VERTEBRATES Organizers: Joel Llopiz, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, jllopiz(a)whoi.edu; Barbara Muhling, University of Miami Rosenstiel School Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Science, barbara.muhling(a)noaa.gov; Kate Mansfield, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, NOAA/NMFS, kate.mansfield(a)noaa.gov; Lesley Thorne, Duke University Marine Laboratory, Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences, lesley.thorne(a)duke.edu Large marine vertebrates, whether bony fishes, sharks, mammals, sea turtles, or birds, play critical roles in the functioning of marine ecosystems. Since the maintenance or rebuilding of large marine vertebrate populations is highly dependent upon successful reproductive events and the survival of the early life stages, the understanding of these processes is critical for effective management and conservation efforts. For many of these long-lived species, the ‘lost years’ during the early life stages (part or all of the juvenile stage, and including the larval stage for bony fishes) have been distinctly understudied. Yet, a recent increase in efforts is shedding new light on the early life stages of large marine vertebrates, as well as their reproduction. Examples of such research include the mapping of reproductive areas in relation to oceanographic conditions, understanding the processes influencing reproductive output, and investigating how the survival and behavior of early life stages vary with biotic and abiotic conditions. The comparative approach of bringing together knowledge and perspectives gained from studying this taxonomically broad but important group of organisms should provide greater insight into general patterns and processes influencing the survival and conservation of the world’s large marine vertebrates. ______________________________________________ Lesley Thorne, PhD School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences Stony Brook University Stony Brook, NY 11794-5000 lesley.thorne(a)stonybrook.edu

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Volunteers needed to help with whale fieldwork in South of Spain (Andalusia)
by Pauline Gauffier 06 Oct '11

06 Oct '11

Dear all, The research group CIRCE (http://www.circe.info) is seeking applications from 5 volunteers to help with fieldwork on fin whale research in the Strait of Gibraltar from 14 November to 19 December 2011 (5 weeks) Fin whale project: The fin whales observed in the Strait of Gibraltar are in migration between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea and are still recovering from years of hunting. Due to the high and increasing maritime traffic in the Strait, at least 3 ship strikes have been observed with fin whales since 1999 and probably more remain unknown. Therefore, we need to assess for this population the risk of collision with merchant ships or ferries. We will use theodolite tracking from a land station to find the main routes for the fin whales as well as any behavioural changes in relation to boat movements. This project has been running for 3 years both in summertime and wintertime. During this next winter survey we are planning to deploy satellite tags on the migrating whales to identify their wintering grounds. Volunteers should be available for the entire period of 5 weeks. You will be responsible for your transport to and from the main centre, but once here, we will provide accommodation at the research centre and transport to the land station. You will be responsible for your food expenses, but we will arrange communal shopping/cooking so that these expenses will be low. Volunteers should be prepared to long working days (9-18h) under the sun, the wind and sometimes cold weather and to help with data entry when bad weather. For more information, a video and the blog of the project, see http://www.circe.biz/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=93&Itemid…) Successful applicants will: - have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research - be autonomous and quickly operational - be able to live and work constructively with others in a team - speak fluently Spanish and/or English - be available for the entire 5-week period Preference will be given to those who: - have previous experience in theodolite handling, including tracking - have previous relevant marine mammal field experience Applicants should send an email introducing themselves. The email should include an outline of why you would like to work on this project, your qualifications and previous experience. Please also attach a brief CV, detailing your previous experiences relevant to this project, and download the registration form from http://www.circe.biz/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=93&Itemid… (also available in Spanish and French). For those who are interested, there is an opportunity for arriving from November 3rd and help with other projects (mainly photo-ID), please mention it in your email. Applications will be accepted until 16 October 2011 and then your participation will be confirmed as soon as possible. For more information, do not hesitate to contact me. All the best Pauline ------------------------- Pauline GAUFFIER CIRCE http://www.circe.info SPAIN -------------------------

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Internship opportunities for Humpback Whale Research
by Mithriel MacKay 05 Oct '11

05 Oct '11

Internships Opportunities for Humpback Whale Research Two internships in Puerto Rico, USA, are available for the winter of 2012 to assist in PhD dissertation research focusing on humpback whales (*Megaptera novaeangliae*) wintering off Puerto Rico. *General description:* Research for this project includes occupancy, habitat use, and movement of humpback whales wintering off Puerto Rico. Examination of reaction to vessel traffic from land based platforms using theodolite tracking will be included in data collection. We anticipate a minimum of 1-3 days/week of vessel based data collection, 2-3 days/week land based data collection, and inclement weather days spent managing data at the base station. Acoustic data will be analyzed during days when field excursions are not practical or possible. *Commitment:* Interns are required to be available full time from the end of December 2011 until the middle of May 2012. It may be possible to split the internship positions between people (effectively creating a maximum of four internships lasting half the season). Preference is given to senior undergraduates and recent graduates with a BSc. Two positions will be aimed at students from Puerto Rico. Interns must stay at the base station in Guayanilla and be prepared for very long days. We typically rise well before sunrise and finish well after sunset each day. Breaks (“days off”) are infrequent. This is a low density area for humpbacks. The ability to maintain land based observations for hours (or even a full day) without seeing a whale requires commitment and patience. *Responsibilities: *Interns are fully involved in all aspects of this project including preparation and maintenance of equipment, data collection, and mentoring students who join our team during the field season. We interact with the public and peers frequently. Interns will be involved in outreach opportunities (impromptu and scheduled). *Provisions & Accommodations: *You will be provided with a place to sleep at the base station and transportation to all field sites from the base station at no cost. Interns pitch in for food. Please visit the website and read the entire description of the base station (see below for link). *Travel: *Interns are responsible for transportation to and from Ponce, Puerto Rico. We will get you from the Ponce Airport and bring you to the base station in Guayanilla. Residents of Puerto Rico are required to live at the base station with the team during their internship. *Qualifications: *Priority is given to students with an upbeat, hardworking and positive attitude. The ability to take direction and live in close quarters with 6-8 people is also a must. A stellar academic grade average is a plus, but is not a requirement and should not discourage interested people with lower academic scores from applying. A strong desire to learn new skills, mentor other students, and promote a positive attitude towards stewardship is essential for candidates. Interested senior undergraduates (with majors in marine biology or related field), recent graduates seeking to gain experience in marine biology/ecology, and graduate students are encouraged to look over the website (compusafe.biz/humpbacks_off_puert_rico) and submit a letter of interest, CV, and availability to mithriel.mackay(a)gmail.com. Please place "Humpback Whale Internship" in the subject bar for questions and applications. -- *}-wh^ale> **}-wh^ale> **}-wh^ale> **}-wh^ale> **}-wh^ale> **}-wh^ale>* Mithriel M. MacKay Ph.D. Candidate Marine Mammal Research Program Department of Marine Biology Texas A&M University, Galveston (830) 688-9878 Director of Research and Education Marine and Coastal Ecology Research Center HC02 6231 Guayanilla, PR and PO Box 63435 Pipe Creek, Texas 78063 www.compusafe.biz/Humpbacks_off_Puerto_Rico

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New publication on bowhead whale acoustics
by Outi Maria Tervo 04 Oct '11

04 Oct '11

Dear colleagues, I'm pleased to announce the recent online publication of an article entitled "Evidence for simultaneous sound production in the bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus)," in The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America (Vol. 130, Issue 4). You can access the article via this link URL: http://link.aip.org/link/?JAS/130/2257 DOI: 10.1121/1.3628327 or by contacting ote(a)science.ku.dk Abstract Simultaneous production of two harmonically independent sounds, the two-voice phenomenon, is a well-known feature in bird song. Some toothed whales can click and whistle simultaneously, and a few studies have also reported simultaneous sound production by baleen whales. The mechanism for sound production in toothed whales has been largely uncovered within the last three decades, whereas mechanism for sound production in baleen whales remains poorly understood. This study provides three lines of evidence from recordings made in 2008 and 2009 in Disko Bay, Western Greenland, strongly indicating that bowhead whales are capable of simultaneous dual frequency sound production. This capability may function to enable more complex singing in an acoustically mediated reproductive advertisement display, as has been suggested for songbirds, and/or have significance in individual recognition. Best wishes, Outi Tervo et al. Outi Tervo, PhD Arctic Station 3953 Qeqertarsuaq Greenland http://arktiskstation.ku.dk/ http://diskobayarcticstation.wordpress.com/

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BDRI Cetaceans field research - Internships 2012 (Winter season)
by Bruno Diaz 04 Oct '11

04 Oct '11

Hi everyone, on behalf of the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI) in Sardinia Island, Italy, I am pleased to announce that our centre is currently accepting internship applications for the Winter term 2012 (a minimum of 60 days of participation between February and June 2012). BDRI's research is focused on a long term study about the ecology and behaviour of wild unrestrained bottlenose dolphins, distribution of other cetaceans (whales and pelagic dolphins), and the potential effects of human activities (fisheries, aquaculture and tourism) in their distribution and behaviour. An internship period with the BDRI offers an invaluable exposure to boat based field work,marine mammals research, intensive training and mentoring in marine biology. Undergraduate and postgraduate students could present their BDRI's personal research project as their Thesis works if requested with the application. Internships will be under direct supervision by BDRI's director Mr. Bruno Diaz Lopez. The internship can be used for academic or vocational purposes, but students are solely responsible for making all arrangements for receiving relevant credit(s) as a result of completing the internship. Interns can expect to participate in and learn a variety of facets of marine mammal research as research assistants in four diverse research projects: 1. Behavioural ecology of Mediterranean bottlenose dolphins: We collect information about distribution and behaviour of free-ranging common bottlenose dolphins from boat based platforms. By using different behavioural sampling methods this study is particularly focused in the interaction of dolphins with human activities as fisheries, aquaculture and marine traffic. These studies provide values insight for the conservation of this top predator in an area characterized by high anthropogenic pressure. 2. Wild bottlenose dolphins’ communication: We obtain knowledge of how individuals within a population of common bottlenose dolphins communicate and what they are communicating. This can generate information ranging from; measures of habitat use, social relevance, geographical variation, cultural transmission to genetic fitness that can be applied to conservation. 3. The cetacens role in the coastal ecosystem: An ecosystem modelling approach becomes an interesting tool to examine the impact of fisheries and human activities (aquaculture, marine traffic) on cetaceans and vice versa. Mass-balance models are built to characterize the role of cetaceans in a coastal and pelagic ecosystem conditioned by human activities. 4. Pelagic cetaceans off the Sardinian coast: Data about distribution of pelagic cetaceans (fin whales, sperm whales, beaked whales, striped dolphins, common dolphins, risso’s dolphins etc.) are collected from multiple platforms including shore and boat based platforms. The behaviour and distribution of large cetaceans observed off Sardinia is still unknown. While some animals could be in migration between the Ligurian and Thyrrenian Sea, others could be mainly engaged in foraging activities. To address this and other questions the BDRI has since 2011 carried out this project. There is no compensation for these internship positions and successful applicants will be responsible for their own transportation expenses to and from the research camp (Sardinia, Italy). As a number of students are unemployed and are unable to meet our program, BDRI offers accommodation for participants and has developed a financial aid to support some of them. There is no deadline to apply. However, approved applications are accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. Apply early! Start and end dates are flexible. Positions are open until filled. Successful candidates will be ready and willing to learn, self-motivated, and flexible. Prior field research experience is recommended but not required. Please download the internships general information at:www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/internships.pdf and the application from:www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/applicationinternships.doc Send cover letter or inquiries by email to the Research Chief, Mr. Bruno Diaz Lopez, at info(a)thebdri.com. Please indicate in your cover letter the dates you are available. Selected scientific publications by the BDRI: 1. Díaz López B. Mariño, F., 2011. A trial of acoustic harassment device efficacy on free-ranging bottlenose dolphins in Sardinia, Italy. Marine and Freshwater Behaviour and Physiology 2011, pp 1–12. 2. Díaz López B., 2011. Aquaculture systems. In: Handbook of Models used in Ecosystem and Environmental Management, Sven Erik Jørgensen (Ed.), CRC Press, Taylor & Francis, FL.pp 241-256. 3. Díaz López B., 2011. Whistle characteristics in free-ranging bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Mediterranean Sea: influence of behaviour. Mammalian Biology 76: 180-189. 4. Díaz López B. & Shirai, J.A.B., 2010. Mediterranean common bottlenose dolphin's repertoire and communication use. In: Dolphins: Anatomy, Behavior, and Threats, (A.G. Pierce & L. Correa Eds.), Nova Science Publishers, New York. Pp 129 -148. 5. Díaz López B., 2009. The bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus foraging around a fish farm: Effects of prey abundance on dolphins' behaviour. Current Zoology 55(4):243-248. 6. Díaz López B., Bunke, M. and Shirai, J.A., 2008. Marine aquaculture off Sardinia Island (Italy): ecosystem effects evaluated through a trophic mass-balance model. Ecological Modelling 212: 292-303. 7. Díaz López B. and Shirai, J.A., 2008. Marine aquaculture and bottlenose dolphins social structure.Behavioural Ecology and Sociobiology 62 (6): 887-894. 8. Díaz López, B., Shirai, J.A.B., Bilbao Prieto, A. & Méndez Fernández, P., 2008. Diving activity of a solitary wild free ranging bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Journal Marine Biological Association of U.K 88, Special Issue 06: 1153-1157. 9. Díaz López, B & Bernal Shirai, J.A.B., 2007. "Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) presence and incidental capture in a marine fish farm on the north-eastern coast of Sardinia (Italy)" Journal of Marine Biological Association of U.K 87: 113 – 117. 10. Díaz López, B., 2006. "Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) Predation on a Marine Fin Fish Farm: Some Underwater Observations". Aquatic Mammals 32 (3): 305 – 310. 11. Díaz López, B., 2006. "Interactions between Mediterranean bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and gillnets off Sardinia". ICES Journal of Marine Science 63: 944-951. 12. Díaz López, B., Marini, L. and Polo, F. 2005. The Impact of a fish farm on a Bottlenose dolphin population in the Mediterranean Sea. Thalassas 21(1):53-58.

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new publication on biosonar in tursiops
by Magnus Wahlberg 04 Oct '11

04 Oct '11

Dear Marmam, here is a new publication on bottlenose dolphin echolocation click parameters from recordings from both the Atlantic and Australia. Reprints are available from Magnus Wahlberg, Magnus(a)fjord-baelt.dk<mailto:Magnus@fjord-baelt.dk> Title of paper: Source parameters of echolocation clicks from wild bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus and Tursiops truncatus). Authors: Wahlberg, M., Jensen, F.H., Aguilar-Soto, N., Beedholm, K., Bejder, L. Oliveria, C., Rasmussen, M., Simon, M., Villadsgaard, A. and Madsen, P.T. 2011. Published in: Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. 130(4):2263-2274. Abstract: The Indian Ocean and Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus and Tursiops truncatus) are among the best studied echolocating toothed whales. However, almost all echolocation studies on bottlenose dolphins have been made with captive animals, and the echolocation signals of freeranging animals have not been quantified. Here, biosonar source parameters from wild T. aduncus and T. truncatus were measured with linear three- and four-hydrophone arrays in four geographic locations. The two species had similar source parameters, with source levels of 177–228 dB re 1 lPa peak to peak, click durations of 8–72 ls, centroid frequencies of 33–109 kHz and rms bandwidths between 23 and 54 kHz. T. aduncus clicks had a higher frequency emphasis than T. truncatus. The transmission directionality index was up to 3 dB higher for T. aduncus (29 dB) as compared to T. truncatus (26 dB). The high directionality of T. aduncus does not appear to be only a physical consequence of a higher frequency emphasis in clicks, but may also be caused by differences in the internal properties of the sound production system.

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Seal Observer Short course
by POWELL STRONG 03 Oct '11

03 Oct '11

WOW Seal course 24-26 October, 2011. Nationally recognised qualification in Seal identification, biology, sampling and recording based in Pembrokeshire, West Wales, UK. Pembrokeshire College and SeaTrust have been running the 3 day WOW (Wildlife Observer Wales) courses since 2007. The 3 day Seal course provides an introduction to Grey Seal identification, biology, monitoring and recording. Courses are based in Pembrokeshire, West Wales, with a combination of class room based work and field work. Courses cost £95 per person. Funding possibilities - 16-19 year old free (contact admissions freephone 0800 977 6788 for conditions) Graduates working for SME's with in Wales - possible 50% funding via "Go Wales". See attached flier and for more information see http://www.pembs.ac.uk/marine/marinebiology/ or http://seatrust.org.uk/site/News.aspx or contact Powell Strong on 01437 753 166 or p.strong(a)pembrokeshire.ac.uk Powell Strong Coastal & Marine Environment Research Unit Pembrokeshire College Haverfordwest, UK. SA61 1SZ 44 (0)1437 753 166 mob 07917752207 http://www.pembs.ac.uk/marine/czresearch

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International Whaling Commission: Large-scale Whalewatching Experiment (LaWE): second call for participation
by Valeria Senigaglia 03 Oct '11

03 Oct '11

Following on the first call, we would like to advertise that our call for collaboration is still open. Details below.**** ** ** We are seeking collaborations with researchers working on the behavioural ecology of cetaceans around the world. The long term goal of the collaborations is to develop research to determine sustainable levels of whalewatching. For the past 25 years, a large number of studies have investigated the effects of whalewatching on cetaceans and their potential impacts. From this body of work there is a consensus emerging that the fitness of individual Odontocetes repeatedly exposed to whalewatching vessel traffic can be compromised and that this can lead to population level effects (IWC 2006). There is currently no consensus on mysticetes. The IWC Scientific Committee has strongly encouraged the development of research, particularly on large whales, to determine sustainable levels of whalewatching.**** To this end we are developing a large-scale research programme (Large-scale Whale-watching Experiment LaWE) with the goal of providing scientific advice to determine sustainable levels of whalewatching. This IWC initiative has been developed to assess how whalewatching exposure can interact with the life history strategies of the targeted individuals and the ecological conditions of their habitat to lead to population-level consequences. We have developed a research programme proposal with seven clear objectives. The text of the proposal is available at http://www.iwcoffice.org/conservation/whalewatching.htm. We are hoping to be able to initiate the project in the year to come, starting with a power analysis to define the number of sites that will be required for hypotheses-testing.**** To this end, we are opening a call to researchers who have conducted behavioural studies (not necessarily whale-watch impact research) on cetaceans (odontocete and mysticete) in the past or are currently doing so. We have carried out previous attempts to meta-analyse data from preexisting whalewatching impact assessment studies to compare effect size across different sites. However, this analysis came to an impasse due to disparities in methodology and the statistics reported. Such meta-analyses will help focus sampling strategies and work towards several of the objectives of LaWE. We are therefore interested in collating raw data on key parameters identified for the LaWE project to carry out such metaanalyses (as well as power analyses) for one of the aims of the LaWE (Understand the mechanism involved in the causal relationship between whalewatching exposure and the survival and vital rates of exposed individuals). We have identified interest in the following variables:**** Activity budgets (based on focal follow sampling)**** Movement patterns (based both from land-based sampling techniques and animal instrumentation)**** Habitat use (both from photo-identification and the sampling of the movement of individuals)**** This is the second call to gauge interest in entering in such coordinated collaborative effort. If you possess such data, that could be used for the power analyses described in the research proposal, with information on quality control and quality assurance during sampling (e.g., formalised sampling protocols, consistent and regular calibration of sampling procedures), and are interested in participating to this collaborative effort, please contact us by emailing David Lusseau (d.lusseau(a)abdn.ac.uk) or Valeria Senigaglia (valeria.senigaglia(a)gmail.com) We will then discuss the possible mechanisms to develop this collaboration, ensuring the respect of data ownership, which will be coordinated from within the IWC.**** ** ** Best wishes,**** ** ** Valeria Senigaglia**** on behalf of the LaWE Steering Group

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